Village Board To Vote On Scope Of Downtown Redevelopment

MOKENA — Downtown Mokena's need for a face lift isn't in question, but the scope of the project is.

Trustees, business owners and residents pondered what to do and how much to spend on the Front Street business district at a Jan. 17 work session.

The street is due for roadwork and new sewer and water lines, and the village treasury has $1 million set aside for that work. Beautification efforts, such as adding streetscape features and greenery and burying overhead utility lines, will add another $1.9 million to the cost.

A full-scale sprucing up of the downtown area is "now less expensive than it's ever going to be," Trustee Joe Werner said.

"I'm not willing to spend $2.9 million," Trustee John Mazzorana said, adding that downtown is too small for major revenue. Residents also were split on the question of cost. Mayor Robert Chiszar called for a vote at the board meeting Monday.